5 Ways to Ease Your Baby's Ear Infection
Nothing causes more pain, tears, or tugging than an ear infection. A bacterial or viral illness that affects the middle ear, an ear infection can be an agonizing experience — especially for a child. But even with prescription eardrops and pain medication, your child can suffer from some major discomfort. To ease the symptoms and speed up the recovery, check with your child's doctor and try any of these simple tricks.
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Salt/Sock Combo
This salt pack reduces the pain while drawing out fluid. Simply heat one cup of salt and put it inside a sock. When the heat becomes tolerable, place the pack against your little one's infected ear for five to 10 minutes.
A Stick (or Ball) of Gum
It may be a bad habit, but it's one that could help your child. Chomping and swallowing opens the eustachian tube, which helps relieve pressure and drain fluid from the ear.
A Spoonful of Vinegar
OK, a spoonful may be an exaggeration. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in the solution, and then place it in the outer area of the infected ear for five minutes. After removing the cotton ball, tilt your child's head to drain any excess fluid.
A Minimassage
This trick requires a little more effort, but it's totally worth it. After giving your child his eardrops, grasp the lower part of the ear and begin stretching and massaging it. Then place your finger in the indentation just under the ear and behind the jawbone, and gently stroke the neck downward from this point. In doing so, you help the medicine reach the eardrum while also keeping your child calm.